The most poisonous fish in the world is the stone fish. Its sting can cause shock, paralysis, and even death if not treated within a few hours. It is a mottled brown-greenish in color (which gives them Stone Fish camouflage) with many venomous spines along its back. It lives primarily above the tropic of Capricorn, but it main habitat is on coral reefs, near and about rocks, or can be found dormant in the mud or sand. It feeds on small fish and shrimps. The sting causes excruciating pain and a great deal of swelling rapidly develops causing death to tissues. The severity of the symptoms depends on the depth of penetration and the number of spines penetrated. The symptoms of the venom are muscle weakness, temporary paralysis and shock, which may result in death if not treated.
Do not attempt to restrict the movement of the injected toxin.
Bathing or immersing the stung area in hot water may be effective in reducing the pain. transport the patient to the nearest medical center. Hospitalization for intravenous narcotic analgesia, local anesthetic infiltration or regional block may be required.Definitive management consists of administration of stone fish antivenin. Indications for antivenin include severe pain, systemic symptoms or signs of (weakness, paralysis) and injection of a large amount of venom.
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